THE enthralling drama of the Premier Soccer League might have ended last month, but soccer lovers will have a last shot at a high-profile match before the end of the year when the Mighty Warriors lock horns with their Botswana counterparts in the third edition of the Unity Challenge Cup at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon.
Report by Henry Mhara Sports Reporter Zimbabwe are the defending champions after beating nemesis South Africa 3-0 in last year’s edition.
This will be the third time the two regional antagonists will be meeting this year after they met in the African Women’s Championships qualifier with Zimbabwe winning 3-1 on aggregate.
The build-up to the match has, however, been overshadowed by the death of former Warriors striker Adam Ndlovu, who is set to be buried in Bulawayo today.
The women’s football fraternity have said they are dedicating the match to Ndlovu.
“He will be missed, not only by his family, friends and his club Chicken Inn FC, but by all who came into contact with him and all who watched him play for Highlanders and the Dream Team. We remember him as a giant of Zimbabwean sport who served as a football role model for many players, both male and female,” said women football boss Mavis Gumbo.
“Adam was a very good person, one person who would always wear a smile on his face. He had a great sense of humour and was a very good listener. I promise that we will win this match for Adam. Preparations for the match have gone well, so far and all the players and the other technical team members want to do it for Adam and Peter.”
Botswana head coach Gaoletlhoo “Ronaldo” Nkutlwisang acknowled the sombre mood in the country currently due to Ndlovu’s demise, but said her team will show no empathy on the field of play.
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“Zimbabwe is going through a very difficult time, but the death has also affected us because Adam Ndlovu was like a brother and a son to us. His brother Madinda currently coaches Centre Chiefs in Botswana, so the connection between Zimbabwe and Botswana is very strong. Zimbabwe’s loss is ours too and we are saddened,” Ronaldo said.
“We have brought in a developmental side because we are preparing for the future, but I trust that they can do the job. We feel honoured to be invited for this tournament of huge significance to this country and we promise a very good match,” she added.
